Summary : Wildlife, ice, Tlingit culture, and deep fjords are highlights along the 900 nautical miles between Seattle and Juneau on this adventure of a lifetime. Embrace exhilarating closeness to snow-capped mountains, wildlife, whale watching and birds far too numerous to keep count, waterfalls, and tree-lined narrow passageways. View glaciers, kayak through the narrows, and hike into the rainforest. The foliage is vivid at this time of year. Fewer boats and people mean greater chances of observing bears and other wildlife foraging along the shoreline.

Activities : Birding, Culture, Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling

PRICING

Sail from Fishermen's Terminal through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks where you're lowered twenty feet into the Salish Sea, one of the earth's largest estuaries. This evening, make your way to an anchorage near the Olympic Peninsula.

Explore quaint Friday Harbor and its fascinating Whale Museum. Shaped and molded by the last ice age, forested islands dot the shores of the Salish Sea. Weave through the inlets of this yachter’s paradise—keeping watch for the resident orca pods—and sail northward into Canadian waters.

Mountains rise higher and fjords become more dramatic. Intricate waterways alongside temperate rainforests are ideal for sighting orca, seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, porpoise, sea birds, and spotting bald eagles from on deck. Unlock the natural history of the area and discover how Native influences and the fishing and forest industries have shaped these sparsely-populated islands and communities.

Take in the pure, wilderness air and fill your days through the passage with splendid scenery, relaxation, and plenty of onboard activities. Your expedition team aims to entertain and keep you busy with engaging presentations, games, and enlightening narration. Pass the ghost town of Butedale, on British Columbia’s Princess Royal Island, before passing through Prince Rupert, BC and crossing the US/Canadian border into Alaska.

Affectionately called “The Yosemite of the North,” Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water and steep, sometimes sheer, walls are a haven for ducks, brown and black bear, mountain goats, Sitka deer, mink, moose, river otters, and other wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove by kayak or explore by skiff soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world.

Alaska’s southernmost city and “salmon capital of the world” also claims fame to having the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. Explore Tlingit culture, and the notorious Creek Street, once a red-light district in downtown Ketchikan.

Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska hike winding through high forest on an old logging trail. Trek up to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. And if the stars are right (okay maybe it's the tides), you just may get lucky today and snag some organic oysters from a local grower.

Discover living history in Klawock—one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Along with its small fishing fleet, this quaint community continues to thrive on the farthest reaches of the wild Alaska coastline. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye out for eagles and sea birds.

It's Captain's Choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait's Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water. Conditions permitting, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel. Snorkeling is optional, but hidden beneath the surface lies a magical array of sea life only seen with a snorkel swim. Take a deep breath and go for it! Today's discoveries will be within some of the most un-touched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.

Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife – they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of tiny, rocky islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, porpoise and sea lions. Tonight, anchor in a quiet bay and listen for the call of the wild.

Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness that surround it. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer directly to the Juneau airport.

Notes

Due to the nature of the exploration, the itinerary is a guideline and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.

Included:Accommodations aboard ship; all meals; intriguing lectures; sightseeing and adventure activities as listed on itinerary; use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities (excludes snorkel gear and wetsuit); on-deck yoga classes; services of the staff both on board and ashore; embarkation transfers and baggage handling between airport/ship; entry fees to national parks/preserves.

Wilderness Adventurer

Overview : Three accessible decks are fully equipped for comfort and action. The sun deck has an on-deck hot tub, sauna and fitness equipment; the observation deck allows for over-the-top viewing from the bow; and the launch platform on the main deck makes getting in the water a cinch. Onboard are kayaks; stand-up paddle boards; inflatable skiffs; hiking poles; yoga mats; hydrophone for listening to below-surface sounds; and a bow-mounted underwater camera pipes the action to the lounge and to your cabin TV.

Richard, T.

Owasso, OK May 2014

Alaska Inside Passage

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Adventurer

I really appreciated the casual atmosphere on-board. The interaction with the crew made it feel more like I was on an excursion with a team as opposed to a tourist being 'processed' by an industry. Many thanks - this has really meant a lot to me.

Antje F.

San Diego, CA Aug 2013

Alaska's Inside Passage

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Adventurer

It exceeded expectations! Both the controllable (itinerary, staff, etc.) and the incidental (glacial calving, humpbacks, orcas, sea otters etc.) were better than we remembered. Kids' activity managers were superb! Mark and colleagues were incredibly inventive, responsive and patient with the children.

Stephen D.

Los Angeles, CA May 2013

Alaska Inside Passage

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Adventurer

We were on the Wilderness Adventurer before, and loved it. We were prepared for cold and rain, and got sunny and warm. Everyone on the ship was fabulous. Crew and guests became like a group of old friends. Service was excellent. Most memorable parts were a long point-to-point kayak, the Chief Shakes rededication, and seeing bears from the kayak—the whole thing, actually.

Richard T.

Owasso, OK Apr 2013

Olympic Wilderness + San Juan Islands

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Adventurer

I really appreciated the casual atmosphere on-board. The interaction with the crew made it feel more like I was on an excersion with a team as opposed to a tourist being 'processed' by an industry. Many thanks - this has really meant a lot to me.

Barb C.

Centreville, Canada

Alaska Inside Passage

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Adventurer

Working with ExpeditionTrips was a very positive experience. I would definitely book future trips with you. All emails were answered immediately and you went above and beyond when we missed our flight and helped us get a hotel room in Seattle. Thanks so much!

Always wanted to go to Alaska, but did not want to go on a large cruise. When I saw the small adventure cruise on the internet that was what inspired me to look into it and take the trip. The staff and crew on the Wilderness Discoverer were wonderful. They were very friendly, had time to chat with you, answered all questions and knew us on a first name basis. The most memorable part of the trip was the pristine beauty of Alaska and the quiet in this vast state with only 60 people on board the ship. The pod of 30 plus orcas was also awesome.

Christine H.

Avon, CO

Alaska Inside Passage

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Adventurer

Just finished a week long cruise on the Wilderness Adventurer from Ketchikan to Juneau with 15 of my friends and family. Not only did the incredible staff put up with our group but they embraced us with open arms. Thank you does not cover our appreciation to this incredible company and group of people.

Payment Policy

Deposit:Departures less than 13 nights: $750 per person Departures 13 nights or longer:$1,500 per person

Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure

Payment Methods:Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.